There was never any doubt that President Vladimir Putin would not be re-elected for his fourth term at the Kremlin, and he remains by far the most dominant figure and force in the political affairs of his nation. For many Russians, President Putin is the only leader they have known, and that will hold true for as long as the 65-year-old stays in control. He looks set to be a central figure in Russian polity for years to come.
So, what can we expect from Putin now for his fourth term? Certainly, he will continue to steer Russian policy domestically and globally. His nation’s support for the mission in Syria could continue. And pro-Russian separatists in the breakaway region around Donetsk in eastern Ukraine will continue to have his government’s back. Clearly, after the events in the United Kingdom this past week, and the diplomatic expulsions that followed, Putin will be viewed with a degree of suspicion by the governments of western Europe.
In Washington, however, Putin has an admirer in President Donald Trump, regardless of what the ongoing investigation into Russia’s collusion and interference in the 2016 election might find. Indeed, given the mixed diplomatic and foreign policy signals from Washington, Putin’s influence in the Kremlin takes on an added dimension. That’s an important factor in dealing with North Korea and its nuclear ambitions. And so too when it comes to the future of Iran’s treaty on its atomic programme. But in three months’ time, Putin will be basking in the glow of hosting football’s World Cup as the biggest sporting spectacle on earth kicks off in Russia.
